Pretoria - Gauteng Education MEC, Panyaza Lesufi on Sunday welcomed the apology by City Press regarding an article previously published by the newspaper alleging that he had convened a “secret meeting” to discuss departmental tenders.
“Whilst I acknowledge the damage done by the article, I also wish to reiterate my support for media freedom and independence. My reputation and standing was challenged. To all those who insulted and labelled me, I unreservedly forgive you,” said Lesufi. Earlier this month, after the publication of the article, Lesufi said the newspaper article alleging that he attempted to meddle in the department’s lucrative tenders following a “secret meeting” he attended in Tshwane was misleading.
At the time, Lesufi’s spokesman Steve Mabona said the MEC attended the May 2020 meeting at the invitation of the South African National Civic Organisation and residents to address a community meeting after a school in Soshanguve went for months without electricity.